Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Homo Will Not Inherit" is a poem by Mark Doty, published in 1999. The title suggests an allusion to a biblical passage, where it is stated that homosexuals will not inherit the kingdom of God. The poem is a meditation on the desire for physical touch and intimacy and the societal norms that restrict these desires.

Explanation:

The poem opens with the speaker describing a scene where two men are embracing and kissing in a park. The speaker is struck by their intimacy and is reminded of his own desire for connection. However, the speaker is also aware of the societal norms that restrict such intimacy between men.

The poem then shifts to the speaker's childhood, where he recalls being told that "boys don't hold hands," and "boys don't cry." The speaker reflects on how these societal norms, reinforced by religion, have denied him the possibility of intimacy and left him feeling isolated and alone.

In the final stanza, the speaker rejects the notion that homosexuals will not inherit the kingdom of God. Instead, the speaker claims that he wants "to inherit the earth," to claim the right to physical touch and intimacy that has been denied to him. The poem ends with a plea for understanding and acceptance, for the right to live and love openly.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: Free verse
• Imagery: The use of vivid imagery throughout the poem helps to convey the speaker's sense of desire and isolation. For example, the description of the two men in the park creates a sense of intimacy and tenderness, while the memories of the speaker's childhood create a sense of isolation and alienation.
• Tone: The tone of the poem is reflective and contemplative, with moments of anger and frustration. The speaker's desire for physical touch and intimacy is juxtaposed with the societal norms that restrict these desires, creating a sense of tension throughout the poem.
• Theme: The main theme of the poem is the desire for physical touch and intimacy and the societal norms that restrict these desires. The poem also explores the ways in which these norms can lead to isolation and alienation, and the need for acceptance and understanding.

Poem Snippet:

"The boys don't hold hands, and they don't cry

And they don't kiss, except in a certain way

In crowded rooms where no one will see

And the night is long and the year is longer."

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